Overseas Chinese are welcoming the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, with various celebrations and cultural events, eagerly awaiting the annual Spring Festival Gala hosted by China Media Group (CMG) to bring a splendid cultural and artistic feast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been held since 1983 and aired live on Chinese New Year's Eve, which falls on January 28 this year. The television extravaganza has become a fixture for many Chinese households as part of the country's largest annual holiday celebrations.
The Chinese Consulate in Vancouver on Tuesday hosted its annual Spring Festival reception, attended by over 450 guests, including representatives of local Chinese community and Chinese institutions, and students.
Consul General Yang Shu extended New Year greetings to the attendees and the wider community. A promotional video for the Spring Festival Gala was shown at the reception, further heightening anticipation for the event.
Zhang Tingchuan, Secretary General of the British Columbia Branch of the Canada China Chamber of Commerce, shared his sentiments.
"The Spring Festival Gala is a cherished memory for me each New Year. It symbolizes the beginning of the celebrations. As a child, my happiest moments were spent with my family, awaiting the Gala to start," he said.
Chu Yuanzheng, Executive Chairman of the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations (CACA), echoed this sentiment.
"The Gala deeply moves overseas Chinese communities, especially when the hosts highlight the strength of our homeland. It gives us a sense of empowerment and security while living abroad," said Chu.
As New Year's Eve draws near, overseas Chinese in Brazil, Nicaragua, and Pakistan are also looking forward to watching the Year of the Snake Gala. For those living abroad, watching the Gala has become an essential part of their Spring Festival traditions.
"I am eagerly looking forward to the Spring Festival Gala of the Year of the Snake. I believe this event is significant for the society in Sao Paulo as it introduces them to Chinese culture. This Gala serves as a platform for Brazilians to understand our Chinese culture," said Luo Shihao, President of the Sino-Brazilian Cultural Research Center in Brazil.
Xu Changbao, President of the Nicaragua-China Cultural and Economic Promotion Association, expressed his hopes for this year's Gala.
"I am looking forward to seeing more programs that reflect the lives and emotions of overseas Chinese in this year's Spring Festival Gala. It would be wonderful for us to see ourselves represented in the Gala and feel our homeland's care for us," he said.
Ma Bin, President of the China-Pak Educational Cultural Institute (CPECI), said the Gala serves as a nostalgic connection to home for overseas Chinese, offering insights into their homeland's changes and a platform to extend New Year wishes for peace and prosperity.
"The Spring Festival Gala represents the longing for home for every overseas Chinese. My family gathers around the table to watch it every year, and it helps us understand the changes in our homeland. This year’s promotional video gives off techy vibes, making me very excited. I hope the Gala serves as a platform to send New Year greetings to our fellow citizens, wishing our country peace and prosperity," he said.
Overseas Chinese expect Spring Festival Gala to bring splendid cultural, artistic feast
